Newsletter Issue #4 June 2015

Ensuring conservation of Minnesota’s and damselflies through research and education.

Transitions By Ron Lawrenz, MDS President

This seems like a great time to say a few things about change and new beginnings. As I look out my office window I note that the trees are just starting to show that wonderful fresh green color of spring, my computer screen is lighting up with the first reports of the emergence of local dragonflies, and then there’s a new role for me to ponder. I’ve just accepted the privilege of representing the Minnesota Society (MDS) as its new President.

My interest in dragonflies and aquatic environments isn’t new. I’ve been poking around streams and ponds since I was a child. As I worked my way through college I followed that interest by earning degrees in fisheries biology and limnology, and aquatic ecology. I like fish and aquatic plants, but it was always the “bugs” that drew me back to the water. As I studied, and then taught classes about, aquatic , I became more and more fascinated with dragonflies. That fascination was tweaked in the early 1990s when photo by Kurt Mead two odonatologists, Bill Smith and Tim Vogt, from the Wisconsin DNR, were using the facilities of the While the MDS has not yet celebrated its first full St. Croix Watershed Research Station (SCWRS) year of operation as a 501(c)(3), its roots go back near Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, as a base more than a decade to the Minnesota for conducting a dragonfly survey of the St. Croix Survey Project (MOSP) founded by Kurt Mead. It River. I was the SCWRS Director at that time and was Kurt’s leadership and MOSP’s solid legacy that I spent hours watching them sort, identify, and led to the formation of the MDS. In fact, Kurt knew preserve the specimens that they had collected. that it was time to take that next step so he initiated I also witnessed their discovery of the St. Croix the transition from MOSP to MDS, and served as Snaketail ( susbehcha), a dragonfly species new to science. That’s all it took to turn my (continued on page 2) fascination into an obsession. 1 Contents: (continued from page 1) Transitions...... Page 1 New Members ...... Page 2 the first President of MDS. His efforts have The Dragonflies are Here!...... Page 3 led to the development of a growing database Haiku by Scott King ...... Page 3 of Minnesota state and county records where Birth Announcements...... Page 4 practically none had existed before, and that data Annual Dragonfly Gathering ...... Page 5 is now tied to the international Odonata Central Tools of the Trade ...... Page 6 database. Don’t get me wrong— our knowledge Dragonfly Book Recommendations ...... Page 7 of the dragonfly fauna of Minnesota started from Upcoming MDS Events ...... Page 10 almost zero, so we still have a long way to go, but we now have a great foundation to build on for the future. MDS also inherited a wonderful legacy Board Members: of educational advocacy. In fact, we are currently President: Ron Lawrenz witnessing a fast growing slate of public workshops, Vice President: Curt Oien events, and surveys guided by members of MDS. Treasurer: John Arthur Finally, we are now becoming more actively Secretary: Ami Thompson engaged in proposing and conducting research that Jeff Fischer addresses known gaps in our knowledge rather Angela Isackson than just reacting to opportunities offered by other Rachel MaKarrall institutions. Kurt Mead Vanessa Strong I’m not MDS; you are, and MDS leadership doesn’t rest just in my hands. I see my role as Newsletter Editor: providing a nexus for a very passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable group of individuals that Rachel MaKarrall constitute the MDS Board and membership. I have an immense trust and respect for this talented Membership: group of people, and I know that you will too. By The Minnesota Dragonfly Society welcomes the way, Kurt Mead may have stepped down as everyone! Annual Memberships are $25 for President, but he continues to provide leadership individuals and $30 for families. and perspective as an active MDS Board member. Contact: [email protected] I hope that all of you consider becoming an MDS member, an MDS committee member, or even Who We Are: joining us someday on the MDS Board. I look The Minnesota Dragonfly Society is a 501(c)(3) forward to getting to know you and sharing our organization that facilitates Odonata (dragonfly and interest in dragonflies and dragonfly conservation. damselfly) research, surveys, and education. In the meantime, I wish all of you good ode-ing.

Public events include survey outings, identification and citizen science trainings, family education events, and board meetings. Other events include Welcome and Thanks to Our professional development workshops for educators New Members! and research outings for trained members. Barbara Andersen Oakley Biesanz Currently the best way to reach us is to request to Eric and Suzanne Burkness join our Minnesota Dragonfly Society Facebook Douglas Hall Page or through our website: Wayne Johnson www.mndragonfly.org. Scott King 2 The Dragonflies Are Here! It’s one of spring’s greatest pleasures: watching people April 16- CGDs made it to northcentral Wright post their first dragonfly sightings of the year! First County, reported by Arne Myrabo. The same day come the migrants; Common Green Darners (Anax Courtney Kearns photographed a Variegated junius) and Variegated Meadowhawks (Sympetrum Meadowhawk on Prairie Lake near Grand Rapids. corruptum). Then we start seeing our resident April 28- Wayne Johnson photographed a dragons emerging from south to north. Here’s a Variegated Meadowhawk at Richardson Nature sprinkling of 2015 first sightings from around the Center, the first time this species has been recorded state, with some reports of sightings a week or more at the center! earlier than normal. Join the fun each spring and throughout the season on the Minnesota Dragonfly May 4- Carl Bublitz reported baskettails emerging in Society Facebook page! Stearns County at Mississippi River County Park. May 5- Ron Lawrenz photographed Warner Nature Center’s first Dot-tailed Whiteface of the year. Curt Oien also saw Dot-taileds along with Four-spotted Skimmers and Eastern Forktails at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Meanwhile Arne Myrabo was busy watching a big bluet emergence in northcentral Wright County. May 9- Lynn Crotty photographed a Hudsonian Whiteface in eastern Morrison County. May 13- Mitch Haag spotted Dusky Clubtails at Crow Hassan Park Reserve near Prairie Lake. May 18- Marti Starr saw Dot-tailed Whitefaces in her yard in St. Paul. photo by Debbie Center May 19- Ron Lawrenz photgraphed multiple emergences at Waner Nature Center, including April 1- Scott King reported Common Green Spiny Baskettails, Dusky Clubtails, Four-spotted Darners (CGDs) at St. Olaf Natural Lands in Skimmers, Dot-tailed Whitefaces, Chalk-fronted Northfield. Corporals and Springtime Darners. A few days later April 2- Mitch Haag reported CGDs ovipositing in he added a Lilypad Clubtail to the list. the Elm Creek Park rain garden in Maple Grove.The May 21- Arne Myrabo photographed a River same day, Scott King saw Variegated Meadowhawks Jewelwing at Wayside County Park in Wright at Esker Wildlife Management Area in Webster. County. April 3- Daryl Hrdlicka reported CGDs at Lake May 25- Dan Tallman photographed a Common Shetek State Park in Currie. Whitetail in his yard in Northfield. April 11- Jeff Fischer reported CGDs at Fort Snelling May 28- Molly Stoddard spotted Four-spotted State Park in St. Paul. Skimmers at Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in April 12- Mark Wheeler saw CGDs flying in tandem Fergus Falls. at a pond in Oakdale, while Curt Oien reported seeing both CGDs and Variegated Meadowhawks at Rebecca Lake Park Reserve in Rockford. April 13- First 2015 sighting by Ron Lawrenz of bright red bookmark CGDs in huge numbers at Warner Nature Center placed on the first page of spring— in Marine on St. Croix. The next day Ron also saw Variegated Meadowhawks at Warner. the migrant dragonfly. April 14- Wayne Johnson spotted a single CGD at Scott King Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington. 3 Birth Announcements

After a long winter of carefully feeding and tending to nymphs in their tanks, our cadre of dedicated dragonfly rearers are proud to report these spring “births!” Look for more about why and how we rear dragonfly nymphs in the next issue of the MDS newsletter.

Mitch Haag hatched this beautiful Brush-tipped Emerald (Somatochlora walshii), above, from a nymph collected in Sibley County during a U.S. Fish and Wildlife bioblitz. He says, “We were exploring a wet meadow on our way to the Minnesota River and just happened to stumble across a really nice seep coming from the wet meadow to a smaller creek which then flowed into the river. This was one of the largest populations of Brush-tipped Emeralds Curt Oien raised this Elusive Clubtail (Stylurus I have ever seen. It took Bob DuBois ten years to notatus), above, from a nymph collected at the find a breeding site for this species. Really cool stuff Zumbro River. This specimen represents a new and a county record for Sibley!” Photo by Mitch county record for Wabasha County. Photo by Curt Haag. Oien.

Ron Lawrenz wasn’t home when this male Swift River Cruiser (Macromia illinoiensis) decided to make its move into adulthood. Luckily his wife Sylvia was on the scene with her camera; she captured this fantastic series documenting its emergence. Fully formed adult at left. This one came from a nymph collected in Wisconsin by Curt Oien. Photos by Sylvia Crannell.

4 Pre-registration is required for camping at the Group Campground. To register, email your name Join us for the and contact info to Park Naturalist Kurt Mead at [email protected]. Pre-registration is NOT Tenth Annual required to attend this event if you will not be staying in the group campground.

If you prefer a regular campsite (for an RV, camper, Minnesota etc) it might be a challenge, as all of the reservable sites are already full for the weekend. The park has some first-come, first-served sites that may be open. Also, nearby Eckbeck and Finland State Dragonfly Forest campgrounds may have campsites open, but the North Shore is a busy place in the summer and campsites may be hard to find.There are several Gathering! hotels in the area and a list can be obtained by contacting the park. Plan ahead! August 7 - 9, 2015 Hope to see you there! Tettegouche State Park Tentative Schedule of Events:

Friday, August 7 9:00 a.m. Sign up and park welcome Every summer the Minnesota Dragonfly Society 9:30 a.m. Beginner session- Intro to Dragonflies holds a weekend-long dragonfly and damselfly immersion and this year it will be held at Advanced- Strategy, habitats, mapping Tettegouche State Park. Come for a day or camp 11:00 a.m. Field day begins, various locations with the group at the Tettegouche State Park Group Bring your lunch! Camp for the whole weekend. Beginners are very 4:00 p.m. Return from field welcome at this event! 7:30 p.m. Day’s overview, Evening presentation

Different regions of the park will be surveyed each Saturday, August 8 day in an attempt to create a list of the dragonflies 9:00 a.m. Strategy session and field work and damselflies of the park. Northeastern 1-4 p.m. Dragonflies of the North Shore program Minnesota is home to many boreal dragonfly for park guests species that are not found elsewhere in the state. 5:00 p.m. Travel to Camp 61 in Beaver Bay for supper and MDS Board Meeting In addition to the extensive field surveys 7:30 p.m. Day’s overview, Evening presentation throughout the park, MDS will be offering a variety of drop-in events at the Tettegouche State Park Sunday, August 9 Visitor’s Center for children, families, and adults 9:00 a.m. Field work throughout the weekend. 12:00 p.m. Final recap and data coordination

Although the group camp will be shared with Check for updates online at http://www.mndragon- other dragonfly-minded folks, you are on your fly.org/docs/2015Gathering.pdf own for meals. There will be some loaner dragonfly equipment available for beginners and travelers. 5 Tools of the Trade By Ami Thompson

You don’t need any tools to get outside and adventurepublications.net) or Amazon.com. enjoy dragonflies — a stroll on a wetland trail Damselflies of the North Woods is sadly out of print watching dragonflies dart about is an excellent for now. According to the publisher a reprint of way to enjoy these insects. However, if you are Damselflies of the North Woods is in the works, but interested in identifying Odonata, or just want a until then it can occasionally be found in state park closer look, you will need some tools. Here are my or nature center gift shops. Keep your eyes open: if recommendations to get you started: you find one, grab it! Damselflies of the Northeast, by Ed Lam, is a the best field-ready alternative and 1. Odonata Nets only available through his website: www.edlam.net/ To catch dragonflies you will need a net! Large- book.html. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East diameter deep aerial nets with a long handle are by Dennis Paulson (Princeton University Press) best for catching dragonflies and damselflies. is a fantastic addition to an identification guide BioQuip (www.bioquip.com) sells a sturdy student collection. It’s a larger book than the others so not net, with a wood handle, for a reasonable price of as easy to carry along in the field. I usually leave my about $15 (item number 7615NA). Make sure to copy of this book in the car and use it as reference order a net 15 inches in diameter or larger. for tricky specimens.

3. Hand Lenses Hand lenses are very helpful when you need to get a close look at small features for identification. Bioquip has many hand magnifier options at a variety of prices. Item number 1129N 10x folding magnifier (with two 5x lenses), is my favorite inexpensive option at about $7.

photo by Rachel MaKarrall

If you’d like something a little fancier, BioQuip also sells “professional series” nets with aluminum handles and collapsible nets (see item number 7315NA for example). These are much lighter and break down for easy packing but are nearly double the price of the student nets, about $28.

2. Identification Guides A few books will give you all the information you need to start identifying dragonflies and photo from BioQuip.com damselflies. (See also the book reviews by John You can test out equipment Arthur, p. 7.) When out in the field, I like to before you invest! The Minnesota Dragonfly Society bring along Dragonflies of the North Woods by has nets and identification books you can use at Kurt Mead, and Damselflies of the North Woods any of our events, or borrow for your family or by Bob DuBois. Both are excellent pocket- classroom. Contact [email protected] for sized guides. Dragonflies of the North Woods is details. available through Adventure Publications (www. 6 Dragonfly Book Recommendations By John Arthur

I have been asked several times at programs, “What even sure where to look! Wing vein patterns made are some good books for dragonfly ID?” It’s an easy sense and I started looking at the whiteface species question to answer as I have five basics that are used (genus Leucorrhinia) a lot closer. Who knew that most often. finding two rows or three rows of cells would mean a different species? (Those of you reading First on my list is the one that started my interest this article, who already know how to identify in dragonflies, and that is Dragonflies of Wisconsin dragonflies, know what I’m talking about.) by Karl and Dorothy Legler, with Dave Westover. Our earliest copy was from 1998 when it had a Just a few years after getting this book, I bought green cover. Later editions featured an orange a digital camera (let the games begin!). Now the cover and then a blue cover on the current edition. book really had a good workout. We took photos of Copies can be purchased from the University of lots of dragonflies and pored over the book to learn Wisconsin bookstore. Before looking through that what we were looking at. Each time we opened the book, I thought there were only dragonflies and book a new aspect of dragonfly lore was revealed. damselflies and had no idea that there were so many Why are eyes important? What do the stripes on species! Words like “snaketail,” “meadowhawk,” and the thorax tell us about darners? Why do I care “darner” entered my vocabulary. A world of insects about the markings on each abdominal segment? opened up for me. Until then, I was unaware that What is an abdominal segment? Even tips on dragonflies were primarily aquatic insects, living photographing dragonflies are included in this most of their lives under water until emerging as book. adults. Now that the interest had been awakened, it was 2002 and Three Rivers Park District in the Twin Cities was having “Year of the Dragonfly” events at various parks. We went to a few events and shared our photographs and entered their photo contests. We also heard about a new book that was in the works, called Dragonflies of the North Woods by Kurt Mead, the next book on our list.

We ordered Dragonflies of the North Woods as soon as it became available. Wow, this book was better than the Wisconsin book. BUT, we found a few species were were notably absent, such as Eastern Amberwing and Plains Clubtail. I had photographed both of these species and identified them from the Wisconsin book. We met Kurt at the first Minnesota Dragonfly Gathering in 2006 and he admitted that at least eight species were missing, Aside from my gushing about this book as an eye but they were not usually found in the “North opener, its photos are great and drawings at first Woods.” The illustrations by Rick Kollath are the were confusing. Later, with some help from others, I best feature of the book, and drawings of male learned what they were talking about when hamules dragonfly claspers match what is seen through a were discussed (look at meadowhawks). I wasn’t hand lens or microscope extremely well (at that 7 time, we were not while perched. A microscope symbol means have using hand lenses specimen in hand and be prepared to look close. or microscopes Also included are drawings showing the damselfly yet, but later…) life size. One thing to watch for using this guide is The book is to remember that this is a guide for the Northeast well laid out U.S. and includes species not found in Minnesota. and having one Conversely, some species in Minnesota are not species per page found in the book (for example, the Eastern Red (or more than Damsel; Minnesota has the Western Red Damsel one page) makes as well, although there is some debate here). He it a little easier has range maps, but they do not go as far west as to use than the Minnesota. Wisconsin book. Having more than one book is very important as one book will cover something not covered in the other. An analogy to evolution could be made here as each new field guide will improve on the past. Dragonflies of the North Woods is now in its second edition, with more species added. This book just keeps getting better and is a great place to start.

After buying these first two books, damselflies were entering our field of vision. We had purchased a copy of Beginner’s Guide to Dragonflies by Blair Nikula, Jackie Sones, and Donald and Lilian Stokes. This has a very few damselflies, but was not very comprehensive as it tried to cover the entire U.S. in 155 pages (note the word “beginner” in the title). We kept looking.

We found Damselflies of the Northeast by Ed Lam. This book brought to mind the great debate in bird field guides. Do we use photographs, or paintings/ drawings? Ed chose paintings/drawings instead of photos. His paintings are excellent and allow him to show details that might be omitted by a photo. Our quest for more field guides continued. Our Also, he could (and did) position the insect to next purchase was Damselflies of the North Woods greatest advantage, which is not always possible by Bob DuBois. An excellent continuation of the with a camera. (However, in defense of photos, they “North Woods” series (there are now a lot of “North show the insect in a natural setting, most of the Woods” guides out including spiders, orchids, time.) One helpful feature of this book is a symbol lichens, and moths). As with each new guide, this in the upper right of each page that indicates how one improves on earlier books. Once again, Rick easy or difficult it is to identify each species. A Kollath’s drawings shine! Page 37 (for spreadwings) symbol of binoculars indicates easy to identify 8 and Page 58 (for other damselflies) are an essential Are these good field guides (emphasis on “field”)? reference. Now instead of paging through the book They are, if you like carrying larger books that trying to match up details of segment 10, the details contain more information than what one would or are on one or two pages. Also, each species gets two could find in an area. Do I want to find information pages. The photos on a Flame Skimmer that is common in Colorado, are great; there but never found in Minnesota? The point is, is at least one regional guides serve a purpose and larger guides each for male and are useful as well. female.

As with all regional guides, it does not include damselflies found outside of the North Woods, but some are mentioned in the back that could be found here. The downside of this book is that it is out of print (Bob DuBois is recommending using Ed Lam’s book these days, but there is a rumor that Damselflies of the North Woods may be reprinted.). Copies can sometimes be found in state park bookstores, and other similar venues. Used copies can be found on the internet, but sometimes, they want outrageous prices.

All of the previous field guides reviewed here are The five books reviewed here are a great start, but a good start, but what about a more detailed and beware, the collection might not stop here. For the less regional guide? Many are available on a state by birders reading this, how many field guides do you state basis, and as with the “North Woods” series, have? are regional. Not to say that these are “bad” books, just that these do not cover a larger portion of the If you were to get only two books, get “Dragonflies U.S. Short of buying Dragonflies of North America, of the North Woods”, and “Damselflies of the and Damselflies of North America, which cost over Northeast”. “Damselflies of the North Woods” is $100 each and are very scientific, two books came a good substitute for the Northeast book, but is out in 2009 by Dennis Paulson, called Dragonflies harder to find. and Damselflies of the West, and Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East. Now there are guides that cover the entire U.S.! These books have pages of Minnesota Dragonfly Society Newsletter articles drawings grouped together by family (darners, photos are property of the authors unless broad-winged damsels, clubtails, and so on). otherwise noted. Reproduction is only allowed Dragonflies and damselflies are together in one with express permission. book. 9 Upcoming MDS Events June 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Dragonfly Survey We are everywhere this summer! Come and join us and Drop-In Discovery. Tamarack Nature Center, for some fun with dragonflies! White Bear Township, free. A super-concentrated bioblitz extravaganza of fun! Led by Vanessa Strong, June 6, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The Annual Warner [email protected]. Nature Center Dragonfly BioBlitz. Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center, Marine on St. Croix, June 27, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. St. Croix BioBlitz free. Dragonfly program followed by field walks. Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls, free. Join Equipment provided, but bring insect nets if you insect experts and enthusiasts for an afternoon have them. For more information visit www. of exploration as we discover the insects that call warnernaturecenter.org. Minnesota Interstate State Park home. This first- ever bioblitz along the St. Croix National Scenic June 19, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Plant and Riverway is sponsored by the National Park Service, Wildlife Survey Bonanza. Trout Brook Nature Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Sanctuary, Jenks Entrance, St. Paul, free. Help the Bell Museum of Natural History. http://www. researchers collect and identify dragonflies, aquatic nps.gov/sacn/learn/nature/bioblitz.htm invertebrates, and wetland plants. Get an up-close view of the critters that live in this new park! Appropriate for all ages. This is a drop-in event - show up and take off when it is convenient for you. Brought to you by Saint Paul Natural Resources with the Minnesota Dragonfly Society and Capitol Region Watershed District. More information at www.meetup.com/hiking-177/events/223181715/

June 20, 1:00 p.m. Dragonfly Outing.Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley, free. We will begin with a short dragonfly 101 introduction, followed by a walk through the center’s trails and finishing up with a return to the center to download cameras and look at details of what we observed. Beginners are encouraged, and bring your digital camera! Led by John Arthur.

June 26-28, Red Lake Wildlife Management Area Odonata Survey. Historic Norris Camp, near photo by Curt Oien Roosevelt, free. Join the survey crew and experience two full field days odonating in this fantastic July 1, morning and afternoon session, times TBD. place! You are encouraged to drive up Friday Dragonfly Camps for Kids. Tamarack Nature night and stay at historic Norris Camp. Dragonfly Center, White Bear Township, cost depends on presentations and potluck dinner on Saturday night. program. Two programs available: Backyard Bugs Supplies provided for cleaning everyone’s gear (1st/2nd grade), and Naturally Scientific (3rd/4th to prevent the spread of invasive species. Led by grade). Must register with Tamarack Nature Center Curt Oien and Mitch Haag. Lodging and camping at https://parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack/Pages/ available. Contact [email protected] for day-camps.aspx. Led by Vanessa Strong, vanessa. more information and to RSVP. [email protected].

(events continued on p. 11) 10 July 10 -11, 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. Simon Lake July 25, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Dragonfly Survey BioBlitz. Sheepberry Fen preserve, Pope County, and Drop-In Discovery. Tamarack Nature Center, free. MDS volunteers will be surveying dragonflies White Bear Township, free. A super-concentrated as part of a larger BioBlitz. The Sheepberry Fen bioblitz extravaganza of fun! Led by Vanessa Strong, preserve includes a mix of dry upland prairie and [email protected]. oak savanna and a large groundwater-fed wetland complex called a calcareous fen. Begins at noon on the 10th, with evening observations and an evening program, early Saturday morning observations, and a wrap up at noon on the 11th. Contact Robin Moore, [email protected].

July 17, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free Family Fun Day: Dragonfly Collecting and Survey. Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington, free. All ages, under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by photo by Ami Thompson Three Rivers Park District. Contact Lead Naturalist Valerie Quiring for more information at VQuiring@ threeriversparkdistrict.org. July 26, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dragons Among Us. Lowry Nature Center, Victoria, free. Visit a July 21-22, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dragonfly Survey dragonfly wetland and see where they hatch. Scoop Camp. Eastman Nature Center, Dayton, camp fee in the pond for their larvae, then try to catch adults $120. Learn how to identify and survey dragonflies, in a prairie. Children 17 years and younger must damselflies, and their nymphs, including the rare be accompanied by an adult.Sponsored by Three Plains Emerald Dragonfly found only in Elm Rivers Park District. More information at http:// Creek and a handful of other places in Minnesota. www.threeriversparks.org/events/D/dragons- Perform surveys in the prairie, pond, and Rush among-us.aspx. Creek. All data is reported to scientists. Sponsored by Three Rivers Park District. Reservations July 29, times TBD. Hug a Bug Dragonfly Camp required. Contact Christy Bishop at CBishop@ for Kids. Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear threeriversparkdistrict.org. More information Township, cost depends on program. Two sessions at http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/D/ available: morning (PreK/K), and afternoon (PreK/ dragonfly-survey-camp.aspx. K/1st/2nd grade). Must register with Tamarack Nature Center at https://parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/ tamarack/Pages/day-camps.aspx. Led by Vanessa Strong, [email protected].

August 1, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Dragonfly Collecting. West Coon Rapids Regional Park, Brooklyn Park side of Mississippi, free. Grab a net and search for dragonflies. Contribute to the Minnesota Dragonfly Society surveys! Sponsored by Three Rivers Park District. More information at http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/F/first- saturdays---summer-series.aspx.

(events continued on p. 12) photo by Douglas Hall 11 August 7 - 9, Tenth Annual Minnesota Dragonfly popcorn over the fire, rope, wood shingles, and Gathering. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, apple cider. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and free. Starting at 9:00 a.m. on 8/7, with various watch a puppet show by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz. events throughout the weekend. See page 5 of this Walk along the National Park Services giant newsletter for more details, or go to http://www. River Map and visit the Department of Natural mndragonfly.org/docs/2015Gathering.pdf. Resources FiN tank of river fish. Fishing poles available for children to use. Bike to the event and August 29, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dragonfly Survey. save $1. Children 17 years and younger must be Eastman Nature Center, Dayton, $5.00. Collect accompanied by a registered adult. 20% discount for dragonflies for a Minnesota Dragonfly Society groups of four or more. Sponsored by Three Rivers survey. Learn biology and identification of other Park District. Cosponsored by the Lind Bohanon insects, too. Children 17 years and younger must be Neighborhood Association. More information accompanied by a registered adult. 20% discount at http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/M/ for groups of four or more. Sponsored by Three mississippi-riverfest-and-heritage-day--.aspx. Rivers Park District. More information at http:// www.threeriversparks.org/events/D/dragonfly- September 19 - 20, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Advanced survey--.aspx. Odonata Nymph Identification Workshop. Eastman Nature Center, Dayton, $20. Learn nymph identification, aquatic habitats, rearing techniques and preservation methods. Primary instructor is Bob DuBois, Wisconsin DNR Endangered Resources Bureau Aquatic Ecologist and author of Damselflies of the North Woods. Specimens, references, lab tools provided. Three Rivers Park District will supply microscopes, but feel free to bring your own.The nymph collection part of the workshop will be conducted in the creeks, lakes and wetlands of Elm Creek Park Reserve and led by Curt Oien, Mitch Haag, and Ron Lawrenz. Dress accordingly. Hip boots or waders are recommended, or plan on getting wet. Bring whatever nymph collection equipment you have. MDS will secure the required permits and will also supply equipment for cleaning boots and collection equipment to prevent the spread of invasive species. Pre-registration required. Contact [email protected].

Do you have a great dragonfly photo photo by Rachel MaKarrall or an awesome story from the field? We’d be happy to include it in the next MDS September 12, 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mississippi newsletter! The deadline to submit content for Riverfest and Heritage Day. Carl Kroening the September newsletter is August 15. Please Interpretive Center, Minneapolis, $5.00. Celebrate email original articles, photos, artwork, news Minnesota’s greatest resource and its history. and events to Rachel.MaKarrall@mndragonfly. Meet live and participate in river-themed org. activities and crafts. Solve a history mystery and visit with Jacques the Voyageur. Learn how to make 12